Local Delivery Options: What Actually Works
Delivering orders directly to nearby customers with your own drivers or a local courier.
Marcus Adeyemi
What is at stake
Local delivery can beat carrier speed and cost for nearby customers, but it needs zones, scheduling and proof of delivery.
The playbook
- Define delivery zones clearly at checkout
- Offer realistic time windows
- Capture proof of delivery
- Plan efficient routes
- Communicate delays proactively
Where it goes wrong
Avoid:
- Zones that include areas you cannot serve
- Unrealistic time windows
- No proof of delivery
- Silent delays
The numbers behind it
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Delivery zones | defined by postcode or radius |
| Scheduling | time windows set customer expectations |
| Proof of delivery | photos or signatures reduce disputes |
| Driver routing | affects cost per delivery |
Getting outside help
When to hand it over: Bring in help when launching local delivery.
Where this comes from
- Shopify Help Center — Local delivery
- Federal Trade Commission — Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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